How To Adjust Acoustic Guitar Intonation (Step-by-Step)

Adjusting the intonation of an acoustic guitar is an important maintenance task that can greatly improve the playability and sound of the instrument.

Intonation refers to the accuracy of the guitar’s tuning across the entire fretboard, and adjusting it involves making small adjustments to the length of the strings.

To intonate an acoustic guitar, you need to make sure that each fret produces the correct pitch when played. This is achieved by adjusting the position of the saddle to correct the length of the string. Using an electronic tuner and a screwdriver, you can make small adjustments to the saddle until the guitar is properly intonated.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the intonation of an acoustic guitar, as well as some tips and tricks for achieving the best results.

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Why won’t my guitar intonate?

If your guitar won’t intonate, it could be due to a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:

Old or worn-out strings: Over time, strings can become worn out and lose their ability to hold tune or intonate properly. If your strings are old or worn, it may be time to replace them.
Poor quality strings: Cheap or low-quality strings may not be able to hold tune or intonate properly, even if they are new.
Incorrect saddle placement: The saddle is the part of the guitar that sets the string length, and if it is not properly positioned, it can affect the intonation of the guitar.
Poorly cut nut slots: The nut is the small piece of material that the strings pass over as they go from the headstock to the fretboard. If the nut slots are not cut properly, it can affect the tuning and intonation of the guitar.
Fret wear: If the frets are worn down or uneven, it can affect the intonation of the guitar.
Action too high or low: If the action (string height) of the guitar is too high or too low, it can affect the intonation.

If you have tried adjusting the intonation and the guitar still won’t intonate properly, it may be time to take it to a professional guitar technician for evaluation and repairs.

How To Properly Intonate a Guitar

Here are the steps for intonating a guitar:

Check the tuning and intonation of the open strings
Measure the intonation of the 12th fret
Make adjustments to the saddle
Check the intonation again
Repeat as needed

Here’s an explanation of each step of intonation.

1. Check the tuning and intonation of the open strings

Before intonating your acoustic guitar, it’s important to ensure that the strings are properly tuned and intonated when played open. Use an electronic tuner to check the pitch of each string, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that they are in tune.

2. Measure the intonation of the 12th fret

Using the same electronic tuner, play the string at the 12th fret and compare the pitch to the open string. If the pitch at the 12th fret is sharp or flat, this indicates that the intonation is off and the string length needs to be adjusted.

3. Make adjustments to the saddle

To adjust the intonation, use a screwdriver to move the saddle forward or backward. Moving the saddle closer to the neck will increase the string length and lower the pitch, while moving it away from the neck will shorten the string length and raise the pitch. Make small adjustments and check the intonation at the 12th fret after each adjustment until the pitch is correct.

4. Check the intonation again

After making adjustments to the saddle, check the intonation again at the 12th fret to ensure that the pitch is now correct. If it is still sharp or flat, make further adjustments to the saddle as needed.

5. Repeat as needed

Repeat steps 2-4 for each string until the intonation is correct across the entire fretboard. Keep in mind that changes in temperature and humidity can affect the intonation of your guitar, so it may be necessary to periodically check and adjust the intonation as needed.

Easiest Way to Intonate Guitar

Intonating a guitar can be a tricky process, but there are some tips and tricks that can make it easier for beginners. Here are some of the easiest ways to intonate a guitar:

Use a digital tuner: A digital tuner is an essential tool for intonating a guitar. It will help you determine if your guitar is in tune and if any adjustments need to be made to the intonation.
Play the harmonic at the 12th fret: Instead of fretting the string at the 12th fret, try playing the harmonic at the 12th fret. This will help you get a clearer and more accurate reading of the pitch.
Make small adjustments: When making adjustments to the saddle, make small changes and then check the intonation again. It’s better to make several small adjustments than one big adjustment that could throw off the intonation even more.
Use a capo: Using a capo can make it easier to intonate your guitar, especially if you are having trouble fretting the strings accurately. Place the capo on the first fret and intonate the guitar as you normally would.
Check the nut slots: Make sure the nut slots are properly cut and lubricated, as this can affect the intonation of the guitar.

Remember, intonating a guitar takes time and practice, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come easily at first. With a little patience and persistence, you can achieve accurate intonation and improve the sound and playability of your guitar.

Can you intonate an acoustic guitar?

Yes, you can intonate an acoustic guitar just like you would an electric guitar. The process is the same, although some acoustic guitars may require different tools or techniques for making adjustments.

What causes intonation problems on acoustic guitar?

There are several factors that can cause intonation problems on an acoustic guitar, including:

Incorrect saddle placement: The saddle is the part of the guitar that sets the string length, and if it is not properly positioned, it can affect the intonation of the guitar.
Poorly cut nut slots: The nut is the small piece of material that the strings pass over as they go from the headstock to the fretboard. If the nut slots are not cut properly, it can affect the tuning and intonation of the guitar.
Fret wear: If the frets are worn down or uneven, it can affect the intonation of the guitar.
Action too high or low: If the action (string height) of the guitar is too high or too low, it can affect the intonation.
Old or worn-out strings: Over time, strings can become worn out and lose their ability to hold tune or intonate properly. If your strings are old or worn, it may be time to replace them.

Is it possible to perfectly intonate a guitar?

While it is possible to get very close to perfect intonation on a guitar, it is unlikely to be 100% perfect due to the physical limitations of the instrument. However, with careful adjustment and tuning, you can achieve a level of intonation that is accurate enough for most playing situations.

Is intonation important on acoustic guitar?

Yes, intonation is important on acoustic guitar, as it affects the accuracy of the tuning across the entire fretboard. Poor intonation can cause notes to sound out of tune and can make playing certain chords difficult or impossible.

How do I know if my guitar is not intonated?

One way to tell if your guitar is not intonated is to play the same note at the 12th fret and compare it to the open string. If the pitch is noticeably different, your guitar may need intonation adjustments.

How much does it cost to intonate a guitar?

The cost of intonating a guitar can vary depending on the type of guitar, the extent of the work required, and the location of the guitar technician. Prices may range from $20 to $100 or more.

Do thicker strings intonate better?

Thicker strings may be less likely to go out of tune, but they do not necessarily intonate better than thinner strings. The intonation of a guitar depends on several factors, including the position of the saddle, the nut, and the frets, as well as the quality and age of the strings.

Do old strings affect intonation?

Yes, old strings can affect intonation as they lose their ability to hold tune and can become stretched or uneven. It is recommended to replace strings every few months to maintain good intonation and tone.

Do you need a strobe tuner to intonate a guitar?

While a strobe tuner can be helpful for intonating a guitar, it is not strictly necessary. A digital tuner or tuning app can also be used to accurately tune and intonate a guitar.

Why is my guitar intonated but still out of tune?

There are several factors that can cause a guitar to go out of tune, even if the intonation is properly adjusted. These can include changes in temperature and humidity, poor string quality, and incorrect tuning techniques.

Can a truss rod adjustment fix intonation?

While a truss rod adjustment can help to improve the playability and tone of a guitar, it is not the primary tool for fixing intonation issues. The truss rod is responsible for adjusting the relief or curvature of the neck, which can affect the action and playability of the guitar. Intonation adjustments typically involve adjusting the position of the saddle, nut, or frets to ensure accurate tuning across the entire fretboard.

Does changing string gauge affect intonation on an acoustic?

Yes, changing string gauge can affect intonation on an acoustic guitar. Thicker strings require more tension to reach the correct pitch, which can affect the position of the saddle and overall intonation. If you are changing string gauge, it is a good idea to have your guitar’s intonation checked and adjusted if necessary.

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